Antiviral Activity and Resistance to Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis

• Project Number: 2008/739
• PhD Student: Mr Vinh Dang
• Student Affiliation: Flinders University
• Primary Supervisor: Dr Kirsten Benkendorff
• Co-Supervisors: Dr Mark Crane, Dr Peter Speck and Dr Simone Warner
• Mentors: Dr Mehdi Doroudi (SA R&D Institute), Ann Fleming (Australian Abalone Growers Association) and Mr Michael Tokley Australian Abalone Council)

About the Project

Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is currently decimating populations in Victoria and nationally threatens the Abalone fishing and aquaculture industries. This PhD project seeks to address whether Abalone can carry this virus without displaying clinical signs and determine whether Abalone have differential antiviral activity that correlates with disease resistance.

Overall, this project will enhance biosecurity preparedness and response in the Abalone industries through the detection and development of AVG-resistant, AVG virus-free populations. The use of virus resistant stock in Abalone breeding programs for farming and restocking of field populations will reduce mortality and increase the overall productivity of abalone industries in Australia.

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This page was last updated: 30th March 2009